stand by for jazz
Your guide to jazz in SEMass/RI for August, 2008

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy! But watch out for those winter heating bills soon to come!

In the meantime, we can all enjoy a summer of jazz in New England, where the good stuff just keeps coming. On Aug. 8-10, it’s the JVC Jazz Newport Festival starring Herbie Hancock, Chris Botti, Aretha Franklin and Sonny Rollins along with many others. For details visit http://www.festivalnetwork.com/.

Our Dixie Diehards, meanwhile, will be appearing somewhere near you several times during August and September both at outdoor concerts and theatres and indoor venues. Look for us Aug. 13 in the Sharon town concert series at Lake Massapoag!

Your August, 2008 Jazz Calendar!
With thanks to www.nejazz.com.

1 Fri 7:30-9pm Greg Abate Quartet, Waterplace Park, Providence, Waterfire Concert.

1.1 Fri 8pm Songs For a Summer Night. Doors open at 6:30pm. Dinner, Dancing, and Cabaret performance at Roseland Ballroom Dinner Theater and Cabaret/Jazz Club, Route 138,Taunton MA.
2 Sat 7-10pm Johnny Souza Trio at Chatham Bars Inn, 297 Shore Road - Chatham, MA
3 Sun 1:30-4:30pm Lee Childs and the Bourbon Street Paraders the the Cape Cod Canal Jazz Cruise at the Onset Town Pier, Onset, MA. Every Sunday
3 Sun 5-7pm The Fantasy Big Band at Town Park, Dutcher St. Hopedale (MA)
1.5 Tue 7-9:30pm Riverboat Stompers at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA (508) 655-9521 $10
1.6 Wed 6:30pm Swing 7, Hot Standards by your better half, at Quincy SummerFest Concert, Ruth Gordon Amphitheatre, Merrymount Parkway, Quincy, MA
6 Wed 6:30-10pm Lee Childs & Kurt Wenzel at the RooBar, every Wednesday 907 Route 28, Chatham, MA.
6 Wed 7-10pm Ida Zecco with Mike Renzi on piano Dick Lupino on bass at Sardella's, 30 Memorial Boulevard, West Newport, RI
6 Wed 8pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men - Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord, MA
7 Thu 1-2pm Krisanthi Pappas at Plymouth Public Library, 132 South Street Plymouth, MA.
7Thu 7-10pm Blue Horizon Five, Ma Glockner's, 155 Maple St. Bellingham .
9 Sat 7:30pm Bart Weisman, Concert & Fundraiser for the First Congressional Church of Falmouth, Falmouth Green, 68 Main Street, Falmouth MA
9 Sat 8:30pm-12:30am Leah Souza Trio with Johnny Souza, Trumpet at Tosca, 14 North Street Hingham, MA
10 Sat 6:30-8pm Greg Abate at Jamestown, RI Concert Series. Downtown Jamestown RI
12 Tue 7-9:30pm Monte Carlo Jazz Ensemble at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn $10
13 Wed. 7 p.m., Dixie Diehards Jazz Band, Sharon Town Park at Lake Massapoag, Sharon, Ma.
13 Wed 6-7:30pm Krisanthi Pappas at Osterville Village Library (508) 428-5757, Wianno Ave. Osterville, MA
13 Wed 8pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men, Colonial Inn, Concord, MA (978) 369-9200
15-17 -- Provincetown Jazz Festival, Town Hall, Provincetown MA, Cape Cod - Tickets $25. Details: www.provincetownjazzfestival.org/Schedule.htm
16 Sat 7-10pm The Bela Sarkozy Trio Chathams Bar Inn, Chatham, MA
16 Sat 8pm Greg Abate at Provincetown MA Jazz Festival. Provincetown , MA.
17 Sun 7 Wolverine Jazz Band at Wrentham Town Green Wrentham.
18 Mon 6-7:30pm Krisanthi Pappas at Harwich Gazebo, Brooks Park corner of Route 39 & Oak Street Harwich, MA.
19 Tue 7-9pm Bay State Stompers at North Attleboro MA gazebo at the park in front of Town Hall on South Washington Street.
19 Tue 7-9:30pm Blue Horizon Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA
20 Wed 6-8pm Greg Abate Sextet with Johnny Souza, trumpet at Garden City Center Concert Series, Cranston, RI
20 Wed 8pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord, MA
21 Thu 6-8:30pm Krisanthi Pappas at Medfield Gazebo Main St. (Rte. 109) Medfield, MA.
23 7:30 p.m., Dixie Diehards Jazz Band at the Marion Arts Center, Main and Pleasant streets, Marion, Ma.
23 Sat 7-10pm Johnny Souza Trio at Chatham Bars Inn, 297 Shore Road - Chatham, MA
25 Mon 7-9pm the Johnny Souza at Plymouth Public Library Free Concert, Plymouth, MA
26 Tue 7-9:30pm Lost in the Sauce! at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA (508) 655-9521 $10 28 Thu. 5-7 p.m. D

stand by for jazz!
Your guide to jazz in SEMass/RI for July, 2008

It’s 80 degrees, there’s no one in the place…

Pardon the attempt at a re-write, but that’s our way of saying that the focus has shifted from the clubs and concert halls to the great outdoors for our traditional jazz and family entertainment for the summer months.

The Dixie Diehards will be appearing at four free community concerts during July, beginning Wed. July 2 in Mansfield, Ma. There’s plenty more great outdoors jazz action in our area too with the likes of the great horn player and bandleader Jerry Seeco and the Wolverines, to name but two.

Your SEMass.. R.I. jazz calendar for July! For more jazz from throughout New England, visit www.nejazz.com!

DATE
1 Tue 6:30-8:30pm Mauricio Morain and "Flash" at Milford MA Musicians pavilion, Milford Town park, corner of Congress & Walnut Sts.

1 Tue 7-9:30pm Ken Steiner and his Jazz Babies at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn ,
3 Thu Blue Horizon Five at Ma Glockner's, 155 Maple St. Bellingham MA (508) 966-1085

2 Wed. 7 p.m. Dixie Diehards Jazz Band, bandstand, Mansfield, Ma. South Common, free.
4 Fri 3-5 p.m., Dixie Diehards Jazz Band, Berkley Town Common, Berkley, Ma. Free.
4 Fri 8 p.m. Soul Ambition, 20 Water St. Tavern, 20 Water St., East Greenwich, R.I.
6 Sun 1:30-4:30pm Lee Childs and the Bourbon Street Paraders at the the Cape Cod Canal Jazz Cruise at the Onset Town Pier, Onset, MA. Every Sunday.
6 Sun 7 p.m., Dixie Diehards Jazz Band, Wrentham Common, free.

8 Tue 6:30-8:30pm The Jerry Seeco Seven at Milford MA Musicians pavilion, Milford Town park, corner of Congress & Walnut Sts.
8 Tue 7-9:30pm That Old Feeling at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA (508) 655-9521 $10 admission.
8 Tue 7-11pm Amanda Carr at THE HI HAT with Vinny Pagano Trio. One Davol Square, Providence RI.
9 Wed 8pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men - Traditional Jazz Band at the Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord, MA (978) 369-9200
10 7:308 p.m., Mark Anderson Jazz Trio, Gracies Restaurant, Providence, R.I.

11 Fri 5:30-8pm Ed Harlow's Gringo Kings Hyde Community Center Playground, 90 Lincoln St. Newton Highlands, MA 02461

11 9:30 p.m., Soul Ambition, Narragansett Café, Jamestown

11 Fri 8:45pm-12:30am The Swing Legacy at Swing City, 29 Central St, Somerville, MA
12 Sat 1-4pm Ida Zecco with Mike Renzi on piano David Zinno on bass at Greenvale Vineyards 582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth, RI.
12 Sat 8-11pm Sticky Skillet Swing Orchestra, Wequassett Inn Resort and Golf Club, Chatham MA
15 Tue 6:30-8:30pm "Swing Night" with the Fantasy Big Band at Milford MA Musicians pavilion, Milford Town park, corner of Congress & Walnut Sts.
15 Tue 7-9:30pm Blue Horizon Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA
16 Wed 7 The Wolverine Jazz Band at Town Hall Green, Washington St. Rt. 1 Norwood, Ma

16 Wed 7-9pm C-Jammers at Town Park, Dutcher St. Hopedale (MA) band concerts.

16 Dixie Diehards Jazz Band, Stone Church, Raynham, 785 South Main St. Free.

16 Wed 8pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men at the Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord, MA (978) 369-9200

17 Thu 7-9pm the Johnny Souza Quintet at the Plymouth Waterfront Concert Series, Plymouth, MA
17 8-10 p.m. Phil Grenadier with Suzanne Davis Quartet , Vernisage, Brookline, Ma.

17 Thu 7:00-10:00pm Baldwin's Balladeers with Stewart Baird cornet/vocals Ma Glockner's Restaurant, 151 Maple St. Bellingham MA
19 8 p.m., Amanda Carr, Atlantic Beach Club, Middletown.

19 Sat 8:30pm-12:30am Leah Souza Trio at Tosca,14 North Street Hingham, MA .
20 Sun 2pm Squirrel Hill Olde Tyme Band at Morse Institute Library, 14 E. Central St. Natick, MA
20 Sun 4-6pm the Johnny Souza Quartet with Special Guest Leah Souza at Holy Ghost Festival, Plymouth, MA
20 Sun 5:30-8pm Black Eagle Jazz Band at Falmouth Historical Society, Falmouth MA 508.548.4857
21 Mon 7-8:30pm Made in the Shade at Bridgewater MA town Common .
22 Tue 7-9:30pm Black Eagle Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA

23 Wed 6-7:45pm Marty Grosz guitar and vocals, Dan Block sax and clarinet, and Dick Miller piano at Provincetown Art Association and Museum, 460 Commercial St., Provincetown MA

23 Wed 7-8:30pm Made in the Shade, Family Concert at Endicott Estate in Dedham performing the music of Dave Brubeck at American Echoes Summer Concert Series at Heritage Museums & Gardens, 67 Grove Street, Sandwich, MA 02563
Wed 8pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute at the Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord, MA (978) 369-9200
24 6 p.m., Amanda Carr, Ruth’s Chris, Providence, R.I.
24 7:30 p.m., Mark Anderson Jazz Trio, Gracies Restaurant, Providence, R.I.
26 9 p.m., Dave Fox, Land Ho! Orleans, Ma.
27 Sun 4-7pm Greg Abate at Highfield Hall Jazz Concert, Falmouth MA 508-495-1878
29 Tue 6:30-8:30pm Don Iacovelli and 8 Misbehavin' at Milford MA Musicians pavilion, Milford Town park, corner of Congress & Walnut Sts. 01757
29 Tue 7-9:30pm Swing Times Five at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA (508) 655-9521
30 Wed 8pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord, MA (978) 369-9200
31 Thu 6:30-8pm Greg Abate at RI Historical Society, John Brown House, Benefit St. Prov. RI
31 7:30 p.m., Mark Anderson, Gracies Restaurant, Providence, R.I.

View our video of the month! WASHINGTON BLUES

www.youtube.com/watch?v=waStkvpLHEI

Stand By for Jazz!
Your SEMass and RI Jazz for June, 2008

It’s almost time to break out of the club scene and take our jazz outside! But first, The Dixie Diehards finish up June with gigs at Steve’s Backstage Pass in Taunton on June 1 and the Taunton Public Library on June 12. Then it’s off to Mansfield Municipal Airport June 28 where we will be playing a concert in an airplane hangar at 1 p.m. as part of the wrapup of the Mansfield Air Race Classic and Family Festival.

Sunday Night Jazz, hosted by Sun Chronicle music journalist Rick Foster, also has two more shows before taking the summer off. The Sunyatta Jazz Quartet will be in on June 15 and the incomparable Go Quartet with Adam Go on June 22. All shows begin at 7 p.m. at Steve’s Backstage Pass, 15 School St., Taunton, Ma. For more information visit http://www.stevesbackstagepass.com/ or call 508-824-3436.

The festival season kicks off with the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival in Essex Connecticut June 27-29. Among the stars: The Wolverines and the Galvanized Jazz Band. Don’t miss it! Visit http://www.hotsteamedjazz.com/ for more info.

Your Personal SEMass Jazz Calendar for June, 2008!
For more on jazz, visit http://www.nejazz.com/ or http://www.dixiediehards.com/.
DATE
1 Sun 7pm Dixie Diehards Jazz Band at Steve's Backstage Pass, 15 School St., Taunton, MA. $7
2 Mon 6-9pm Squirrel Hill Olde Tyme Band, Dolphin Restaurant 12 Washington St. Natick Center
3 Tue 7-11 p.m. Mariane Solivan with the Hi Hat Jazz Trio, The Hi Hat, Davol Square, Providence., R.I.
3 Tue 7-9:30pm Sticky Skillet Swing Orchestra, Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA (508) 655-9521 $10 admission.
4 Wed 7:30pm Amanda Carr, Sardella’s, Memorial Drive West/ Bellevue Avenue, Newport. RI.

4 Wed. 8 p.m. Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men - Traditional Jazz Band at the Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord.

5 Manderson Jazz Trio, Gracie’s, 194 Washington St., Providence, R.I.
5 Thu 7-10pm Blue Horizon Five a HOT variation of Stan McDonld's Blue Horizon Jazz Band at Ma Glockner's, 155 Maple St. Bellingham MA (508) 966-1085
6 Sat 10:00am New Liberty Jazz Band at Foxborough MA Founders Day parade/
7 Sat 8:30pm-12:30am Leah Souza Trio at Tosca, 14 North Street Hingham, MA
7 Sat 9 p.m. Jeff Maher, St. John’s Club, Fall River, Ma.
10 Tue. 7-11 p.m. Hi-Hat Jazz Trio with Christine Fawson, The Hi-Hat, Davol Sq., Providence, R.I.
10 Tue 7-9:30pm Wolverine Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA. $10
11 Wed 8pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men - Traditional Jazz Band at the Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord.
12 Thu. 7 p.m. The Dixie Diehards Jazz Band, Taunton Public Library, Taunton, Ma.
13 Fri. 9 p.m. Jeff Maher, Pottersville Pub, Somerset, Ma.
13 & 14 8:30pm-12:30am The Leah Souza Trio at the Radisson Plymouth Harbor Hotel, 180 Water Street Plymouth.
14 Noon. Jeff Maher, The Pier Restaurant, Newport, R.I.
17 Tue. 7-11 p.m. Hi-Hat Jazz Trio with Shawn Monteiro, The Hi Hat, Davol Squ., Providence, R.I.
17 Tue 7-9:30pm Blue Horizon Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn.
18 Wed 8:30pm Pete Collins & Friends at the Winsor House, 390 Washington St. Duxbury.
18 Wed 8pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men - Traditional Jazz Band at the Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord.
19 Thu 7-10pm Paul Monat, Ma Glockner's Restaurant, 151 Maple St. Bellingham, Ma.
19 Thu. Amanda Carr, Ruth’s Chris, 1 G Tech Center, Providence, R.I.
19 Thu. Manderson Jazz Trio, Gracie’s Restaurant, 194 Washington St., Providence, R.I.
20 Fri 8-11:30pm New Black Eagle Jazz Band, Chan's Egg Rolls and Jazz, 267 Main St. Woonsocket RI $15
20 Fri 8:30pm-12:30am Leah Souza Trio at Tosca, 14 North Street Hingham, MA
24 Tue 7-9:30pm The Jazz Jesters Novelty Orchestra at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA $10.

24 Tue 7-11 p.m. Hi-Hat Jazz Trio with Debra Mann, The Hi-Hat, Davol Square, Providence.

25 Wed 8pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men - Traditional Jazz Band at the Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord, MA (978) 369-9200
27 8 p.m. Fri. Jeff Maher, The Pier Restaurant, Newport, R.I.
28 1 p.m. The Dixie Diehards Jazz Band, Mansfield Municipal Airport, Mansfield, Ma at the finish of the Mansfield Air Race Classic women’s cross-country competition; a contest whose lineage goes back to Amelia Earhardt.
28 Jim Robitaille Group, 3:45 p.m., Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham

Rollins, Hancock, Botti Headline Newport

Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock and Chris Botti will be headlining the 2008 JVC Jazz Festival Newport Aug. 8-10 in Newport, RI. The event will be centered on its traditional location at Fort Adams State Park, with a Friday evening festival opening performance at The International Tennis Hall of Fame at The Newport Casino.

For more information visit http://www.festivalnetwork.com/ or call (877) 655-4TIX. Tickets may also be purchased locally from 9am - 1pm EST at The Festival Network Ticketing offices: 770 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown, RI. For directions call (401) 847-3700.

From 2007 Grammy® Award Album of the Year winner Herbie Hancock to Anthony Hamilton Blues Project to Lettuce, the festival aims to reach broad new audiences while staying true to its roots.

The 2008 JVC Jazz Festival Newport continues a legacy begun in 1954, when George Wein launched the modern music festival era with the first Newport Jazz Festival. From Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie to Miles Davis and Ornette Coleman, each year promises a chance to witness history on the stage.One yet-to-be-named act will be chosen by the general public from ensembles submitting audition tracks to www.ourstage.com/go/newportjazz.

This year's lineup includes:

Friday, August 8, 2008 - 8:00pmInternational Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport CasinoChris BottiLedisi

Saturday, August 9, 2008 - 11:30am - 7:00pmFort Adams State ParkJVC Jazz StageChris BottiWayne Shorter QuartetDave Holland-Gonzalo Rubalcaba-Chris Potter-Eric HarlandLedisiPavilion StageHolland-Rubalcaba-Potter-HarlandHaden - Iverson - MotianWarren Vache QuintetBrian Blade FellowshipWaterside StageLettuce with special guest Fred WesleyAaron Goldberg TrioChristian Scott

Sunday, August 10, 2008 - 11:30am - 7:00pmFort Adams State ParkJVC Jazz StageSonny RollinsHerbie HancockAnthony Hamilton Blues ProjectGeorge Wein & The Newport All-Stars with Anat Cohen, Howard Alden, Esperanza Spalding, Jeff BallardPavilion StageMarco Benevento Trio with special guest Chris PotterGuillermo Klein y Los GauchosChrist Potter's UndergroundMark Rapp BandWaterside StageSoulive with special guest Fred WesleyLionel Loueke TrioExperanza SpaldingEmpirical (UK)OurStage.com winner

What are the top Jazz Albums?

OK. The eternal question: Which are the most essential jazz recordings of all time?

The New Yorker's David Remnick takes a stab in a recent article in the online magazine weighted, of course, toward the era of classic jazz. His top five include three albums from the immortal Louis Armstrong (small wonder) plus one each from jazz pioneers Fats Waller and King Oliver.

We're indebted to jazz tipster Ted Nesi for the following link:
http://www.newyorker.com/online/2008/05/19/080519on_onlineonly_remnick
The top five:

1. Fats Waller: Handful of Keys.

2. King Oliver: King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band; The Complete Set.

3. Louis Armstrong: The Complete Hot Five and Hot Seven Recordings.

4. Louis Armstrong: The Complete CA Victor Recordings.

5. Louis Armstrong: Louis Armstrong Plays W.C. Handy.

What's your opinion? Write in and let me know your favorites, along with your rationale. We'll post it here.

Al Jarreau at for Showcase Live! Aug. 16

Al Jarreau, multi Grammy-winning jazz and pop singer, will perform Aug. 16 at the soon-to-open Showcase Live! nightclub at Patriot Place in Foxboro, Ma. National Amusements officials confirmed.Time and ticket prices have not been announced.

Concert dates for Jazz icons Dave Brubeck and Al Green were announced previously.

Jarreau, with seven Grammys, is the only vocalist in history to win in three separate categories: jazz, pop, and R&B. The awards cover a career that now stretches over the last five decades.

For more information see http://www.aljarreau.com
http://showcaselive.com/event-schedule

NOW get ALL THE JAZZ NEWS at my daily Grassroots Jazz blog at http://thesunchronicle.ning.com/profile/RickFoster

STAND BY FOR JAZZ!
Your Jazz Newsletter for Southeastern Mass and R.I.

They say June is Bustin Out All Over. But not before we take care of some unfinished jazz business in May!
The coming month will be spiced by a visit to Twin River in Lincoln, R.I. by blues guitarist extraordinaire Duke Robillard, and there’ll be plenty of tasty traditional and contemporary performances from Leah Souza, Jimmy Mazzy and the Marcus Monteiro Quartet, to name a few!
The Dixie Diehards Jazz Band plans to kick up its heels with old time New Orleans Jazz music at a jazz brunch 11:30-1:30 p.m. Mother’s Day, May 11 at the Taunton Holiday Inn, plus a more intimate show the following week on May 15 at Ma Glockner’s Restaurant, 151 Maple St., Bellingham, from 7-10 p.m. Bring your dancin’ shoes!
Sunday Night Jazz at Steve’s Backstage Pass, 15 School St., Taunton, Ma will be featuring shows with Third Shift on May 11, Elm Street Jazz, May 18, and Tema Jazz on May 25. Those shows are 7-9 p.m. Admissions range from $6-10. Call 508-824-3436 or visit http://www.stevesbackstagepass.com/.

Your Personal Jazz Calendar for May, 2008!

The Hi-Hat, Davol Square, Providence, features nightly jazz ranging from groups like the East Side Horns to solo piano and CD release events. For their almost-too-numerous-to-list attractions, please visit http://www.thehihat.com/. And for jazz news and listings throughout New England, visit http://www.nejazz.com/.

DATE
1 Thu.
7-10pm Blue Horizon Five Ma Glockner's, 155 Maple St. Bellingham MA (508) 966-1085
5 Mon
6-9pm Squirrel Hill Olde Tyme Band at the Dolphin Restaurant ~Dinner & Jazz~ Reservations: 508-655-0669. 12 Washington St. Natick Center.
5 Mon.
7-9:30pm Dave Whitney Big Band with special Guest Sophia Stevens at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA (508) 655-9521 $10.
9 p.m. (every Tuesday) Jeff Maher, Billy Goode’s Tavern, Marlboro St., Newport

6 Tues.
10 p.m., Marcus Monteiro Quartet, Bridge St. Station, 122 Main St., Fairhaven (Also May 8, 13, 20).

7 Wed
8pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men - Traditional Jazz Band at the Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord, MA (978) 369-9200.

8 Thu.
7 p.m. Jeff Maher, Hero’s Pub, 150 Slade’s Ferry Road, Somerset, Ma.

9 Fri.
TBA Jeff Maher, Harbor Hotel, Newport, R.I.

11 Sun.
11:13 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch with the Dixie Diehards Jazz Band, Taunton Holiday Inn, Myles Standish Blvd., Taunton, Ma.
7 p.m., Third Shift Jazz, Steve’s Backstage Pass, 15 School St., Taunton, Ma. $6.

13 Tue
7-9:30pm The Jazz Jesters Novelty Orchestra at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA (508) 655-9521 $10

9 Fri
8:30pm-12:30am Leah Souza Trio at Tosca, 14 North Street Hingham, MA
14 Wed
8pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord, MA (978) 369-9200

15 Thu.
7-10pm Dixie Diehards Jazz Band at Ma Glockner's, 151 Maple St. Bellingham, MA 02019 (508) 966-1085 $10 cover.
16 Fri.
7pm Leah Souza Trio, HAT'S OFF TO THE ARTS! GALA, Plymouth Guild Center for the Arts Garden, 11 North Street Plymouth, MA.
TBA Jeff Maher, Harbor Hotel, Newport, R.I.
17 Sat.
10 p.m., blues guitarist Duke Robillard, Lighthouse Bar at Twin River Casino, Lincoln, R.I. 10 p.m.
9:30 p.m., Marcus Monteiro Quartet, The Bullpen, 1825 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford.
18 Sun
3pm Wolverine Jazz Band appearing for the Cape Cod Jazz Society 31st year of spring concerts at Cape Cod Community College Tilden Arts Center, 2240 Ivanough Rd. (Rt. 132) West Barnstable, $25, Members $20. 508-394-5277 .
7-9PM Elm Street at Steve’s Backstage Pass, 15 School St., Taunton, MA
20 Tue
7-9:30pm Blue Horizon Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA (508) 655-9521 $10
21 Wed.
8pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men - Traditional Jazz Band at the Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord, MA (978) 369-9200.
25 Sun.
4-7pm This Side of Dixie at The Half Moon Restaurant, 1650 Nooseneck Hill Rd. (Rt. 3) Coventry, RI 02816.
27 Tue
7-9:30pm Neville Dickie at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA (508) 655-9521 $10 .
30 Fri.
5 p.m. Marcus Monteiro Quartet, New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Bedford, Ma.

Thanks to: www.nejazz.com!

STAND BY FOR JAZZ!
Your SEMass jazz newsletter for April, 2008!
From Tin Pan Alley to the Rat Pack, there’s plenty to croon about at SEMass and Rhode Island jazz venues during the month of April.

The month kicks off with the 16th annual Early Spring Banjo Fling April 3-6 at the Mansfield Holiday Inn sponsored by the Stone Street Strummers Banjo Band.

Offerings include free nightly concerts plus workshops and virtually endless jam sessions throughout the weekend. This year’s headliner is Dave Marty, Frisco-based entertainer, recording artist and cruise line entertainer for more than 40 years. And last year's smash Cynthia Sayer, popular banjo-vocalist and veteran of Woody Allen's Dixieland jazz band, will be back for another appearance Friday evening, April 4.

SSS Prez Paul Poirier says this looks like the biggest year ever for the traditional, Dixieland and swing jazz event with record hotel room bookings, bus tour reservations and all around interest. Details: www.stonestreetstrummers.org.

In Taunton, Steve’s Backstage Pass—the Attleboro-Taunton area’s only weekly jazz showcase—is offering Sunday Night Jazz featuring saxman Adam Go on April 6, Andy Solberg April 13, Steve Caddick and Avalon April 20 and Swing 39 on April 27. All shows are 7 p.m. at the 15 School St., Taunton, cabaret with the exception of April 20 which will feature a come-one, come-all Great American Banjo Jam featuring tradjazz prior to headliners Avalon beginning at 6. Details: http://www.stevesbackstagepass.com/.

The Dixie Diehards Jazz Band will be appearing 2 p.m. Friday, April 4 at the Mansfield Holiday Inn as part of the aforementioned Early Spring Banjo Fling, as well as 7 p.m. April 26 at the Marion Art Center in –where else?—Marion Center. Consult: http://www.marionartcenter.com/.

We're also at the New England Folk Festival, the nation's oldet continuous folk festival, on April 27 at Mansfield High School in Mansfield, Ma.

Your personal SEMASS Jazz Calendar for April!

DATE
1 Tue 7-9:30pm Steve Taddeo's Swing Senders at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA $10.
2 Wed 8pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men - Traditional Jazz Band at the Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord, MA (978) 369-9200

3-6 -- Stone Street Strummers' 16th Annual Early Spring Banjo Fling moves into Mansfield, MA at the Mansfield (MA) Holiday Inn with four days of free concerts, workshops, vendors and wall-to-wall jams. Tin Pan Alley to Dixieland and Swing with an international star cast plus regional bands. Festival headliner Dave Marty of San Francisco kicks off the first in a series of free public concerts along with sponsors The Stone Street Strummers 7 p.m. April 3. Details:www.stonestreetstrummers.org.

3 Thu 7-10:30pm Blue Horizon Five at Ma Glockner's 155 Maple St. Bellingham, MA 508.966.1085
4 Fri. 2-3 p.m. Dixie Diehards Jazz Band, Garden Court, Mansfield Holiday Inn. Part of the Early Spring Banjo Fling sponsored by the Stone Street Strummers. FREE
9:30pm-12:30am Dan Fox Quartet at Tosca, 14 North Street Hingham, MA 781-740-0080

5 Sat 7:30-11pm Leah Souza Trio at Stoneforge, 140 Warren Avenue, Plymouth.
TBA Jeff Maher, St. John’s Club, Rodman St., Fall River, Ma.
6 Sun. 7-9pm Adam Go, Quartetat Steve’s Backstage Pass, 15 School St., Taunton MA. Cover is $7
7 Mon 6-9pm Squirrel Hill Olde Tyme Band at the Dolphin Restaurant ~Dinner & Jazz2 Washington St. Natick Center.
12 Sat 6pm Ruth Pointer, of the Pointer Sisters at Milford Regional Medical Center Black Tie Fund Raiser, Melange: The Golden Age of Hollywood at The Grand Ballroom at Milford Town Hall • 52 Main Street • Milford, MA. Tickets $175pp at 508-422-2034.
12 Sat 6-11pm White Heat Swing Orchestra at The grand ballroom of the Four Points Sheraton, Route 6, Easton, MA. Benefit. Tickets are $50 per person and are available by contacting
13 Sun 2-4pm Fred Fried, Jazz Guitar Performance and Reception at Heritage Museums & Gardens, 67 Grove Street, at the junction of Pine and Grove Streets, Sandwich, MA 02563. Fees: $25 Members, $30 Non-Members.
13 Sun. 7-9 p.m. Andy Solberg and his quartet. Jazz standards with flair. Part of Sunday Night Jazz, Steve’s Backstage Pass, 15 School St., Taunton, Ma. 508-824-3436. $10.

15 Tue 7-9:30pm Blue Horizon Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA (508) 655-9521 $10 admission.
17 Thu Bay State Stompers at Ma Glockner's, 151 Maple St. Bellingham .
18 Fri 8:30pm-12:30am Leah Souza Trio at Radisson Plymouth Harbor hotel, 180 Water Street Plymouth, MA .
TBA Andy Solberg and Marshall Wood, Wetherlaine’s, 350 River St., Woonsocket, R.I.
19 Sat 8pm Ron Della Chiesa to Host Strictly Sinatra Music America Rat Pack Dance Parties at Raffael’s Banquet /Conference Facility, Route 1A, Walpole, MA 8 P.M
8:30pm-12:30am Leah Souza Trio at Radisson Plymouth Harbor hotel, 180 Water Street Plymouth, MA 19 Sat 9:30pm-12:30am Dan Fox Quartet at Tosca, 14 North Street Hingham, MA 781-740-0080
TBA Jeff Maher, Pottersville Pub, Somerset, Ma.
20 Sun. 6-9 p.m. Avalon trio with banjoist Steve Caddick. Traditional and Tin Pan Alley jazz. Preceded by the Great American Banjo Jam. Traditional jazz and pop music open jam (come one, come all!) 6-7:30; Avalon at 7:30. Steve’s Backstage Pass, 15 School St., Taunton, Ma. 508-824-3436. $6.
22 Tue 7-9:30pm Black Eagle Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA (508) 655-9521 $10 admission .
26 Sat. 7 p.m Dixie Diehards Jazz Band, Marion Art Center, Main and Pleasant Streets, Marion, Ma. http://www.marionartcenter.com/.
TBA Jeff Maher, Mickey Doyle’s Pub, Fall River.

27 Sun 7-9 p.m. Swing 39, Louisville, Ky.-based swing trio, renders the jazz style of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli. With special guests No Strings Attached. Steve’s Backstage Pass, 15 School St., Taunton, Ma. 508-824-3436. $8.
29 Tue 7-9:30pm Swing Times Five at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA (508) 655-9521 $10 admission.

GRASSROOTS JAZZ PROFILE

Banjo Jazzer Dave Marty is 'Mr. Smooth'

Whether entertaining on luxury cruise liners or appearing before convention audiences, California banjoman extraordinaire Dave Marty's nickname is "Mr. Smooth."

Marty, whose virtuosity as a performer and recording artist spans nearly a half century, will be the main headliner for this year’s Early Spring Banjo Fling April 3-6 at the Mansfield Holiday Inn. The event, which includes dozens of bands and solo performers playing everything from early 20th Century popular music to traditional and Dixieland jazz, is staged annually by the Stone Street Strummers Banjo Band.
Music captured the young Marty’s imagination almost from the start. From the age of 12, he had already begun teaching himself ukulele before eventually asking his father for something a little bigger. Marty actually had a guitar in mind, but for his 16th birthday, his dad surprised him with – of all things—a banjo.
He had trouble at first adjusting to the banjo’s long neck, and put the instrument aside for the next three years until he happened to hear a banjo player in a trio in a local pizza parlor.
“After hearing a couple of tunes, I decided I was as good as or better than the banjo player, and he was making money doing that,” said Marty. “Then and there I knew what I wanted to do with my life.”
Before long, Marty had resurrected the banjo, joined the musician’s union and got his first professional job – also in a pizza parlor. He’s been playing ever since: 48 years in all.
Marty’s career began in beer halls and restaurants, but he soon branched out to night clubs in San Francisco, Chicago, New Orleans and New York City, not to mention Florence, Italy and the New York World’s Fair.
Together with David Sturdevant on guitar and Abe van der Meulen on side banjo, Marty formed the San Francisco Medicine Ball Band in 1970, recording an LP “On a Slow Boat to China” in 1976. Marty went on to record several other albums and spent 17 years as a featured performer on major cruise lines.
Marty revels in a wide variety of musical forms, from classical to Dixieland and traditional jazz along with music from the big band era. But the uniqueness of the banjo lays the strongest claim to his heart.
“Musically, the banjo tugs at the American heart because of the sound derived from the instrument; it is unlike any other American musical instrument and can be a happy one,” said Marty. “Culturally, the banjo is a big part of very early American popular music and dixieland jazz and country & western music. Furthermore, music played on the banjo stirs up many memories, particularly for senior citizens.”
Marty will perform several times throughout this year’s Spring Fling beginning with a guest appearance with the Stone Street Strummers Banjo Band 7: p.m. Thursday, April 3, in a celebration of the Tin Pan Alley era of American Music, and the annual Headliner concert 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at the hotel.
For more information on the Early Spring Banjo Fling, visit www.stonestreetstrummers.org.

HOT NEWS

A Jazz Age 'Banjo Fling' April 3-6 in Mansfield

Ninety years ago, the Hit Parade was still in the future and Rock n’ Roll was the preferred method for removing a Model T from a pothole. But America’s preoccupation with jazz and popular music was already in full spin in a place called Tin Pan Alley –- where songwriters worked day and night to produce the latest hits.
Those days and the music they inspired will come to life again April 3-6 when the Early Spring Banjo Fling beckons hundreds of musicians and vintage music fans to the Mansfield Holiday Innin Mansfield, Ma.
From Irving Berlin to W.C. Handy, the songs of the early 20th Century “Jazz Age” will be revived by traditional jazz, Dixieland and early popular music ensembles and solo artists from across the U.S. Last year, the annual music festival hosted by Foxboro’s Stone Street Strummers Banjo Band attracted in excess of 2,000 musicians and music fans for four days of concerts, jam sessions and seminars.
This year’s 16th annual edition promises to be the biggest ever, says Strummers President Paul Poirier, with a cavalcade of international jazz professionals and hot amateur bands from across the Northeast. San Francisco touring banjoist, recording artist and cruise line entertainer Dave Marty heads a lineup of that includes Cynthia Sayer, a veteran of Woody Allen’s Dixieland band, and Holland’s Tom Stuip.
Featured artists also include Paul Doerner, Mike Hashem, Kurt and Dave, Jeff Grosser and Seekonk’s Steve Caddick.
The annual festival kicks off with a concert by the Stone Street Strummers with Marty as their special guest 7 p.m. Thursday, April 3, in the hotel’s Buckingham Ballroom, based on the music of the 1920s and 30s.
Friday, April 4 begins with a series of afternoon small band concerts in the Garden Court followed by a concert at 7 p.m. in the ballroom that will include music by Stuip, Dorner, Sayer, Doerner, Caddick and the Kurt and Dave duo.
Saturday afternoon will feature performances by amateur and professional bands prior to Marty’s featured concert 7:30 p.m. in the ballroom with opener Michael Nix. A Sunday morning gospel jam hosted by banjoist Tom Fee rounds out the weekend.
The weekend will also feature demonstrations of early music recording technology with a chance for musicians to make their own wax cylinder recordings.
All performances at the Early Spring Banjo Fling are free and open to the public. For additional information, visit the Stone Street Strummers web site at http://www.stonestreetstrummers.org/ or call 508-226-2986.

GRASSROOTS JAZZ PROFILE

New Black Eagles Set

Standard for Quality

The New Black Eagle Jazz Band, considered by many to be among the world’s premier traditional New Orleans Jazz ensembles, still sets the standard in traditional jazz long after their beginnings 37 years ago at their longtime haunt the Sticky Wicket Pub in Hopkinton.

The seven-piece band showed it hadn't lost a beat recently at a cozy engagement at Ma Glockner's Restraurant in Bellingham, Ma. with Michael Peipman a last-minute addition sitting in for cornetist Tony Pringle.

In long history of the “Black Eagles” as their fans affectionately call them, the band has played to jazz audiences all over the world earning them the title of keepers of the flame for New Orleans jazz purists. Having played its first gig on board the Peter Stuyvesant, a boat moored in Boston Harbor, the band has evolved through the decades and personnel changes. In the early days, the Eagles were well-known features of Passim’s in Cambridge and the former Sticky Wicket.

In recent years, the band’s travels have included appearances with the Boston and Baltimore symphonies and the Scottish National Orchestra, as well as concert and club dates throughout Europe Canada and the U.S. The present band includes C.H. "Pam" Pameijer on drums, Barry Bockus on bass, Bob Pilsbury on piano and vocals, Peter Bullis on banjo, Stan Vincent on trombone, Tony Pringle on cornet and Billy Novick on alto sax, clarinet and soprano.

Visit: www.blackeagle.com.

STAND BY FOR JAZZ!
Your SEMass Jazz Newsletter for March, 2008

That was a close one! But somehow we’ve survived another New England Winter, or most of it, despite the flu, skyrocketing heating oil prices and a funky economy.

So now it’s time to pick up the beat.

March 23 is Easter and that means only one thing: The Dixie Diehards Jazz Band strutting along with the Easter Bunny at the Taunton Holiday Inn Easter Brunch. It was a gas last year which saw, among other things, trumpeter-cutup Rick Foster dancing with Ms. Hoppy herself. We expect no repeat of those hijinks—unless the rabbit learns how to do the Charleston!

The greenclad New Orleans-style jazz band will be playing in the foyer from 11:30-1:30 p.m., with a delicious brunch to be served by our accommodating hoteliers under the direction of our good friend Mr. Angelo Diniz. Reservations are recommended. Visit hitaunton.com. The Holiday Inn is at 700 Myles Standish Boulevard, Taunton just off I-495.

The Diehards will also be playing at the Attleboro Council on Aging Center, South Main St., at 10 March 17 in honor of St. Pat’s. Anyone for “Danny Boy?”

Rick Foster’s Sunday Night Jazz at Steve’s Backstage Pass, 15 School St., Taunton, kicks off the month with Jeremy Quick and Low Profile 7 p.m. March 2 and welcomes the incomparable Amanda Carr on March 16. (See Monthly Schedule, below.)

Got Amanda’s delicious new album, “Soon?” Rick’s verdict is if you’re a jazz lover you want it, you need it, so get it SOON! Pick it up online at CD baby or ‘Manda’s web site!

Your personal SEMass jazz calendar for March!
DATE

1 Sat Mike Erickson Band, 9 p.m., Copperfield’s Downunder Pub, 90 Brookline Ave., Boston.
2 Sun 7PM Low Profile, led by guitarist Jeremy Quick, struts its eclectic jazz into southeastern Massachusetts with a debut performance at Steve’s Backstage Pass, 15 School St., Taunton.
3 Mon 6-9pm Squirrel Hill Olde Tyme Band at the Dolphin Restaurant ~Dinner & Jazz. 12 Washington St. Natick Center.
4 Tue 7-9:30pm Wolverine Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA (508) 655-9521 $10 admission.

5 Wed 8-11pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord, MA (978) 369-9200 6 Thu 7-10pm
6 Blue Horizon Five, Ma Glockner's, 155 Maple St. Bellingham MA (508) 966-1085
6 Thu 8pm Grace Kelly Quintet at Sculler's Jazz Club $18 show, $63 dinner & show. then she's off to Moscow, Idaho and the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival the next week
7 Fri 8:30pm-midnight The Love Dogs at Swing City, The Bishop MacKenzie Center, 1337 Centre Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459.
7 Fri 9:30pm Dan Fox Quartet at Tosca, 14 North Street Hingham, MA 781-740-0080 .
8 Sat 8-11am Squirrel Hill Olde Tyme Band at the Organic Farm Pancake Breakfast in South Natick at the Memorial School, 107 Eliot St. South Natick MA.
9 Sun 7pm Bay State Stompers at Steve's Backstage Pass, 15 School St. Taunton $10 cover.
11 Tue 7-9:30pm La Crème Featuring Molly Malone at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA (508) 655-9521 $10 admission.
12 Wed 8pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord, MA (978) 369-9200
14 Marcus Monteiro Quartet, The Blackstone, Cumberland, R.I., 8 p.m.
14 Fri 8-12pm The White Heat Swing Orchestra at Swing City The Bishop MacKenzie Center, 1337 Centre Street, Newton Centre, MA
15 Sat 2pm Winter Jazz with Bart Weisman at Provincetown Art Association and Museum , 460 Commercial St. Provincetown MA 508.487.1750
15 Sat 7:30pm Wolverine Jazz Trio Goff Memorial Hall, 125 Bay State Road, Rehoboth, MA . Tickets are $25 per person and $150 for tables for six. Light refreshments. 508-252-5781
15 Sat 8pm $12 Swing n' Strings CD release Chan's Egg Rolls and Jazz, 267 Main St., Woonsocket RI
16 Sun 7pm The Amanda Carr Quintet at Steve’s Backstage Pass, 15 School Street Taunton, MA
17 Dixie Diehards Jazz Band, Attleboro Council on Aging, South Main St., Attleboro, 10 a.m.
18 Tue 7-9:30pm Blue Horizon Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn MA (508) 655-9521 $10 admission.
19 Wed 8pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord, MA (978) 369-9200

20 Thu 7-10pm New Black Eagle Jazz Band at Ma Glockner's, 155 Maple St. Bellingham MA (508) 966-1085
21 Marcus Monteiro Quartet, New Wave Café, New Bedford, 8 p.m.
21 Andy Solberg and Marshall Wood, Wetherlaine’s. 350 River St., Woonsocket.
22 Sat 8:30pm-12:30pm Leah Souza Trio at TOSCA, 14 North Street Hingham.

23 Sun. Little Mahrud Jazz Orchestra, Steve's Backstage Pass, 15 School St., Taunton, 7 p.m. $5.
23 Sun. Dixie Diehards Jazz Band, Easter Brunch at Taunton Holiday Inn, 700 Myles Standish Blvd., Taunton, Ma. 11:30-1:30 p.m. Reservations recommended www.hitaunton.com
26 Wed 8pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men , Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord, MA (978) 369-9200
29 Sat 9:30pm Dan Fox Quartet at Tosca, 14 North Street Hingham, MA 781-740-0080.
30 Sun 2pm Wolverine Jazz Band with the Mood Elevators at Amazing Things Arts Center, hopefully in the new Hollis Street Fire Station.

DIEHARDS A SMASH!



The Dixie Diehards and featured vocalist Maria Ventura packed the house Sunday, Feb. 10 at the Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland, R.I.
The crowd was hungry for traditional and Jazz Age tunes like "Basin Street Blues" and "Everybody Loves My Baby."
Many thanks to all of you who joined us for a fun-filled afternoon--and demanded two encores!

grassroots jazz profile
GRACE KELLY:

Sax, recording star:
at 15, she's all that


By Rick Foster
Even as a little girl beginning to study classical piano, the creative gravity of jazz exerted its pull on Grace Kelly.
“When I was playing I’d make up my own little songs,” said Kelly, at 15 now one of the country’s foremost young jazz performers and composers. “So I really didn’t get that much practicing done.”
After a switch to saxophone and some initial steps as a vocalist, it became apparent that Kelly had found her voice not in the world of Beethoven but in that of Charlie Parker and Stan Getz. Kelly’s attraction to jazz — and its magnetism for her — turned out to be so potent that the youngster was soon studying voraciously and playing like a natural. Jam sessions with famous artists and recordings with such luminary performers as Lee Konitz followed.
Kelly also began piling up honors, including the 2007 ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composers Award and the top vocalist prize in the 2007 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.
Kelly, who spoke by cell phone from New York this week prior to a recording session with Konitz, said her fascination with jazz music and the saxophone began early in life.
“When I was little there was always music in my home,” said Kelly. “My mother would play music by Stan Getz on the radio.”
In fifth grade, she was too young to study saxophone in her public school music program so she picked up a clarinet—and hated it.
“I found it was hard to get a good sound out of it; it squeaked a lot,” she said. So she switched to studying saxophone privately.
“From the first note I could make a good sound,” she said. “I just fell in love with it.”
A lot of water has passed under the bridge since. Kelly has recorded or performed with a host of notables including Konitz, Phil Woods, Frank Morgan, Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops, Dianne Reeves, Billy Hart, James Cotton and James Montgomery. She’s also performed at a number of famous venues both at home and abroad including Carnegie Hall, Birdland, Scullers Jazz Club, Kennedy Center, Boston Symphony Hall and B.B. King’s.
Kelly says there’s no question that jazz — particularly jazz performed in front of a live audience — is her language.
“Jazz frees you and the people you’re playing with to express what you’re feeling in that moment,” said Kelly. “And performing in front of an audience that loves jazz and understands the music is just so satisfying.”
Kelly has already released three CDs as a band leader: “Dreaming” and “Times Too” 2005 and “Every Road I Walked” in 2006. She currently studies saxophone with Jerry Bergonzi, Konitz, and Allan Chase. She also studies composition, arranging, flute, drums and piano.

STAND BY FOR JAZZ!
Your SEMass Jazz Newsletter for Feb., 2008

It should be an action-packed February for jazz lovers in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Check it: The Black Eagle Jazz Band, Amanda Carr, the inimitable Jimmy Mazzy and of course our own DIXIE DIEHARDS Jazz Band in the mix kicking off the month with Mardi Gras and swinging all the way through President's Day!

We're expecting a great show with the Diehards and Maria Ventura 2 p.m. Feb. 10 at Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad St., Cumberland, with a family-styled celebration of New Orleans Jazz capping off Mardi Gras week. Tix are $12. Visit http://www.riverfolk.org/ or contact me, Rick Foster, at 508-226-2986.

During the past month we lost Bob Enos, trumpeter of Roomful of Blues, who had the rare ability to span jazz generations from Louis Armstrong to the present day. A rare talent with an even rarer ability to, in the words of friend and fellow musician Jack Radcliffe, both "strut" and "stretch." Bob will be missed.

Two notable local CD releases this month:

The Little Mahrud Jazz Orchestra, led by Plainville's Ernie Bariaolo, has issued a stunning little disc by the same name featuring the 10-piece pocket big band. You'll love their take on Diz's "A Night In Tunisia" and "Groovin' High." Contact ERnie at 508-695-0985 or by email at ebarisaxolo@yahoo.com.

Former North Attleboro singer-songwriter-guitarist Karl Sharicz is out with his new album entitled "Dancing Hearts" which comprises 12 attractive originals. The disc includes "My Shiny Day," co-written by Rick Foster of the Dixie Diehards Jazz Band. You'll find much of the content retro-pop oriented but studded with a lot of jazz-influenced solos and backing tracks by guitarist Steve Sadler and trumpeter Kris Lucander. Visit Karl at http://www.fatapplemusic.com/.

AND NOW, your personal jazz calendar for February!

1 – Marcus Monteiro Quartet, The Hi Hat, Davol Sq. Prov. 8 p.m.
1 - 8pm The Love Dogs at Chan's Egg Rolls and Jazz, 267 Main St. Woonsocket $12
2 - 7pm Fantasy Big Band at the "Crystal Ball", Myriad Ballroom, Mendon MA. Friends of Historic Hopedale sponsor the 'black tie optional' event. Cocktail hour 6pm. Tickets: $50; call Theresa at 508-473-5020 or Tom at TwM Computer 508-478-6010.
2 - Jeff Maher Pottersville Pub, Somerset
4 - 6-9pm Squirrel Hill Olde Tyme Band at the Dolphin Restaurant. 12 Washington Street, Natick.
5 - 6-9 p.m. The Dixie Diehards Jazz Band, traditional New Orleans Jazz, Taunton Holiday Inn., Taunton, Ma. Special MARDI GRAS presentation. Free!
6 - 8pm Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men. Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord.
7 - Amanda Carr at Ruth's Chris Steak House, 10 Memorial Drive, Providence RI.
7 - 7 p.m.The Blue Horizon Five at Ma Glockner’s, 155 Maple St. Bellingham, MA.
8 – Marcus Monteiro Quartet, New Wave Café, 143 North Front St., New Bedford 10 p.m.
9 – Jeff Maher, Mickey Doyle’s Pub, Fall River
10 – 2 p.m. The Dixie Diehards Jazz Band featuring Maria Ventura, Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad St., Cumberland, R.I. $12. www.riverfolk.org.
10 – Tema Jazz featuring the jazz music of Brazil, 7 p.m., Steve’s Backstage Pass, 15 School St., Taunton. 508-823-3436. $10 www.thedessertclub.com
16 - 2pm Winter Jazz with Bart Weisman at Provincetown Art Association and Museum - Clarinet Summit, a FIRST for the Cape! Featuring Paul Nossiter, Henry Duckham, Elmer Drotos and Ted Casher, with John Harrison III (piano), Laird Boles (bass), Bart Weisman (drums), Jamie Bryce (banjo) and Bob Leech (tuba). 460 Commercial Street, Provincetown, (508) 487-1750 FREE!
16 – Jeff Maher, St. John’s Club, Rodman St., Fall River.
17 – 7 p.m. Elm Street Jazz featuring contemporary and classic jazz. $10 Steve’s Backstage Pass, 15 School St., Taunton, Ma.
21 - 7-10pm Wolverine Jazz Band at Ma Glockner's, 151 Maple St. Bellingham, MA $10.
22 - 8 & 10pm (two shows) Scott Hamilton sax, with special guest(and high-school friend) Fred Bates, guitar. Reunion concert featuring Marshall Wood-string bass, Jim Gwinn-drums, and Paul Schmeling-piano at Chan's Egg Rolls and Jazz, 267 Main St. Woonsocket RI (401) 765-1900. Both $24, 8pm $20, 10pm $15.
22 – Andy Solberg-Marshall Wood duo, Wetherlaine’s, 350 River St., Woonsocket, R.I.
24 – 7 p.m. Sunyata Jazz Quartet, $7, Steve’s Backstage Pass, 15 School St., Taunton, Ma.

Swingin At the Sharon Adult Center

It was the Dixie Diehards pleasure to inaugurate the new Sharon Adult Center recently in Sharon, Massachusetts with some old-time New Orleans Jazz, The Charleston and assorted Wonderful Nonsense. Lots of sing- and dance-a-longs, too!

It's the start of what promises to be a busy year for our band, The Dixie Diehards. Check us out and listen to samples at www.dixiediehards.com!

STAND BY FOR JAZZ!
Your SEMass Jazz Newsletter

for January, 2008
Welcome to another great year of jazz programming! The Dixie Diehards Jazz Band and Sunday Night Jazz at Steve’s Backstage Pass both have much to offer for the coming year, including a big theater show with the Dixie Diehards Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. at Blackstone River Theatre, Broad Street, Cumberland R.I.
This show features fabulous young vocalist Maria Ventura of Taunton who was named Best Female Vocalist in the 2007 Providence Phoenix poll. Maria, whose other accomplishments include opening for David Johansen (“Hot, Hot, Hot!”) in NYC as well as the Blue Man Group comedy trio, is an accomplished singer-songwriter who’s been performing since the age of 9. Tickets for the event, at $12, are available from the Blackstone River Theater or by contacting Rick Foster at 508-226-2986.
The Dixie Diehards will also be appearing:
Thursday, January 10, 11:15 a.m. at the Sharon Council on Aging, 219 Massapoag Ave.
Tuesday, Feb.5 , Taunton Holiday Inn, 6-9 PM Big Mardi Gras Show!

SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ
Sunday Night Jazz at Steve’s Backstage Pass resumes Jan. 20 with Adam Go and his jazz standards quartet. On Jan. 27, we welcome the Frankenstein Consort. All shows are 7 p.m. at 15 School St. in Taunton. For more information, call 508-824-3436 or visit www.thedessertclub.com

Elsewhere in the SEMass jazz universe:
Jan. 2 8 p.m. -- Jimmy Mazzy & The Last Minute Men (Wednesdays) Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Square, Concord.


Jan. 4 – Elm Street Jazz at the Winter Music Festival, Oasis Coffeehouse, 34 Alder St.Waltham.

Jan. 5, 8 and 10 p.m.-- Michelle Willson and The Evil Gal Festival Orchestra, Chan's Egg Rolls and Jazz, 267 Main St. Woonsocket RI .

Jan. 6- 8 p.m.-- The Pocket Big Band with Lydia Fortune, Amazing Things Arts Center, 55 Nicholas Rd, Framingham MA ..

Jan. 10 7 p.m.-- Bart Weisman Group (Thursdays) at the Oyster Company, 202 Depot Street, Dennisport.

Jan. 14 5: 30 p.m.--Lee Childs and Michel Lavigniac banjo, Isaac's, Water St. Plymouth.

Jan. 18 10 p.m. – Marcus Monteiro Quartet, The Bullpen, New Bedford.

Jan. 22 7 p.m.-- Black Eagle Jazz Band at the Sherborn Inn, 33 N. Main St. Sherborn.

Jan 25, 8 p.m., Marcus Monteiro Quartet, New Bedford Whaling Museum.
Jan. 26 8 p.m. – Greg Abate Sextet at Chan's Egg Rolls and Jazz, 267 Main St. Woonsocket RI.Jan. 27 2:30 p.m. -- Jazz Tuber Trio with Ted Casher (Mansfield, Ma.) clarinet, Jimmy Mazzy banjo and vocals, and Eli Newberger tuba at Rivermead